Books to Read in the Hammock Bundle

A Touch of Blue by Tory Christie is a beautiful historical story of friendship and sacrifice told through the vivid lens of nature and 1970s film photography. When Celie takes a dare to be the first to find the elusive lynx in the woods, she joins forces with her new neighbor Honey, who helps her see the world in a whole new way. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review!

Virtue Focus: Appreciation

The Gatekeeper's Daughter: Cavern of Light by Susan Reimer brings a unique fantasy world into the hopes and challenges of growing up. When Maira discovers the cavern from her people's legend, she is eager to keep it for herself. But secrets and greed clash, and she must act to save all she holds dear. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review!

Virtue Focus: Appreciating History

Unlucky Charm Summer by Alyssa Wilikinson is a hearwarming historical mystery with an endearing protagonist. When orphan Duke Foster discovers that she not only has parents who have vanished without a trace, but a twin sister too, she’s willing to face any peril to reunite them. But the mysteries of an extravagant circus with dark secrets could be the most dangerous challenge of all.

Virtue Focus: Poise

The Space Between Us by Susan Reimer is a contemporary mystery with country charm, horses, friendship, and family. When Abby's horse goes missing, she taps into all her strengths as an artist, a friend, and a daughter to learn her own self worth, mend bridges with her uncle, and find what was lost.

Virtue Focus: Self-Worth

Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist by Tiffany Blanchard is a contemporary middle grade novel about one girl's quest to find her purpose in life, despite the unexpected, humorous bumps along the way. When 7th grader Sophie Murphy decides to become remarkable, she never dreamed it would be so hard. Finding what really matters ends up mattering most. Winner of the ABC Book Award Runner Up and a Feathered Quill Book Award Finalist!

Virtue Focus: Power of Family

Miss Classified by Susan Phelan is a fun middle grade contemporary school story that explores choices and consequences through the lens of photography. 7th grader Blythe struggles to find a way to not struggle in school, and the choices she makes lead her on a path she never intended to travel. With elements of neurodiversity, STEM, and photography, Blythe learns what friendship, family, and honesty are really about.

Virtue Focus: Honesty

Best Friends Playbook by A.W. Downer is a lower middle grade contemporary friendship story that brings football and princesses head to head in a homeschool setting. Hannah Taylor has always had football friends in her homeschool co-op, but when Beth goes to private school, Hannah has to make new friends. These girls don't even like sports, let alone know anything about football. They like to play princess. Through fumbles and lots of downs, Hannah learns what it really means to be a friend.

Virtue Focus: Being a Friend

Jeff Pennant's Field Guide To Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney is a humorous contemporary middle grade novel about learning to see beyond yourself and recognizing the perspectives of others. Jeff doesn't understand why he's always in trouble with his parents, so he decides to conduct a science experiment to learn what makes them happy. Along the way and amid the mishaps, Jeff discovers what true friendship and love in a family are. Oh, and science, and video games, and terror turtles too. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review, the Readers Favorite Award Finalist 2023, and the Angel Book Award!

Virtue Focus: Beyond Self

Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen is a contemporary mystery filled with cold weather, friendship, and the beauties of nature. When Sal discovers snowflake photography, her pattern-driven mind is hooked. What she doesn't expect is that finding the perfect snowflake will help solve the perfect crime. Learning to see the world from a new perspective, and venture into unknown experiences gives Sal the courage she needs to grow. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review!

Virtue Focus: Changing Perspective

Paintball With Dragons by Hope Bolinger is a heartwarming fantasy set in a contemporary world where dragons are real - or maybe they aren't. After the accidental death of his big brother, Xander starts seeing dragons everywhere, but no one else seems to notice them.  With the help of new friends, Xander learns how empathy helps him overcome his own grief. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review and a Finalist in the Realm Award!

Virtue Focus: Empathy